“Where do you buy your gadgets?” I’m often asked.
While many of my gadgets are gifts from my Dad or sponsors, I do occasionally buy my own—either on Amazon (shipped via Johnny Air) or Fortress (if in Hong Kong).
I’m really scared to buy from unknown stores in the streets of Hong Kong.
More than 12 years ago, I was pressured/harassed by a Chinese salesman in Tsim Sha Tsui to buy a portable Panasonic DVD player for US$ 1,000. I was too scared to call the cops, so I just paid for it then.
I enjoyed it for a while until it conked out a few times. I paid again (twice) to have it fixed in Hong Kong instead of just buying a cheaper model—just because I was thinking of how much I paid for it.
Finally after three years, I gave up. And now those portable DVD players can be had for less than US$100.
I’ll never forget it.
In Manila, I rely Gadget Grocery because the owner is only a BBM or tweet away @gadgetgrocery.
They deliver to your home or office and you can pay by credit card with their portable swipe machine—so you can get your airmiles on top of your purchase. (What I really hate are appliance stores whose prices go up when you take your credit card out.)
Gadget Grocery offers some of the most in-demand gifts this Christmas.
Samsung Galaxy Note II (16gb) PhP 27,900∆
On top of the list is the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which I love and tell everyone to get.
It’s an improved version of the original Galaxy Note. Pretty much the same size with the built-in stylus, but faster and with a better camera.
Only thing is, I haven’t quite figured out how to remove the repetitions in my synced contacts.
I don’t leave home without this.
Apple iPad Mini (16gb – WiFi Only) PhP 19,900∆
The iPad Mini is a great gift because it’s affordable compared to other iPads and tablets. I love its size. I’m just waiting for everyone else to create nifty cases and accessories to go with it because it’s so damn cute.
I use the iPad mini for storing iTunes movies, which the Samsung can’t do. I was never a big iPad fan, but this one I like.
Apple iPhone 5 (16 GB) Php 39,900∆
I don’t know a lot of people who use the iPhone 5. Just my Dad, Dr. Vicki Belo, Maxene Magalona, my friend Harold, and Mr. Fashion Pulis. I understand it uses a lightning cable, which complicates matters due to lack of accessories.
But I know a lot of people have this on their wish lists.
Apple iPad 4 (16gb – WiFi Only) PhP 23,900∆
Woah. I didn’t even know there was an iPad 4. I don’t think this was hyped at all.
It features the best Retina display on an iPad with twice the speed and 10-hour battery life.
It has a new FaceTime FD camera (not sure if I want to be seen in HD though) and shoots 5-megapixel still images.
Then there’s the lightning thing again.
To see more of Gadget Grocery, click HERE.
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.